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Canucks Fandom: Life as a Hockey Optimist
by Alanah McGinley on 05/12/09 at 02:08 PM ET
Comments (19)
As the Blackhawks/Canucks series got under way almost two weeks ago, I settled my nerves down with this one thought: “May the best team win.”
And so they did.
Vancouver wilted in the face of everything Chicago had to offer, from the hockey staples of offense and defense, to the intangibles of simple willpower and grit. Unlike St. Louis who simply ran out of gas against the Canucks after a valiant few months of scratching and clawing their way into contention, Vancouver was just plain outmatched by a better team.
So it goes. So it always goes. So it goes endlessly and nauseatingly since 1970. I seriously wonder if there’s really any chance I’m going to live long enough to see this team make it to the promised land.
Prior to this series, I was plain in my assessment that Chicago scared the hell out of me, but I estimated that Vancouver would still beat that crew over 6 games. Perhaps unreasonably optimistic, but I saw no reason to doubt that assessment over the first three games. Games 1 and 2 were poor, but they got a split and I figured they’d play better as the series progressed. Game 3 certainly supported that, a great performance overall (albeit numbingly boring playoff hockey). But then Game 4 happened and I started getting that terrible, sickening feeling inside, the one that says, “If we can find a way to lose, oh yeah, we’re going for it!”
Everything Vancouver did, Chicago had an answer for it. Everything Chicago did, Vancouver started spinning around in confusion in their own end. (Somewhere out there, I started to imagine Dan Cloutier, gleefully giving the finger to the entire Canucks organization. And he would have been in good company, too… the Hockey Gods were suffering from their own fit of giggles this past week.)
Alas, we’re used to it. While Mike Gillis speaks about how history doesn’t matter, that he only looks forward and thinks that’s a good thing, I’m afraid I don’t share his philosophy. As a Canucks fan, I’m as equally mired in the past as I am with the present team, so—no matter how impressive the Canucks might be playing at any given moment—I’m 100% mindful that it could all fall apart at any time. History has proven that it always does. So far.
But is that entirely a bad thing? Well, yes, it sucks. But always being on the losing side has its own sense of fandom, and sometimes I wonder if I’d know what to do with myself anymore if we actually won the Stanley Cup.
I was watching a special on TV the other night where Michael J. Fox was talking about the power of optimism and positive thinking, and one of his bits was about the trials of the lowly Chicago Cubs fan, a deeply haunted animal that hasn’t experienced a winning season in a over a 100 years. But does this stop them from believing in the future? Never. They faithfully come and support their team with their unabashed hope worn proudly on their sleeves, and as fans, they share a unique experience. While cynicism comes easily, at their core they’re still always optimists. Despite history and all evidence to the contrary, they always believe that “One day… maybe.”
That’s exactly what it’s like being a Canucks fan. And if they did ever win the Cup—or the Cubs were to win the World Series—what next? Seriously… What. The. Hell. Would. We. Do. Next? Hope for another one?! Good God. Our arrogance would then just work it’s way into the stratosphere and the next thing you know, we’re imitation Red Wings fans! What a horrible way to go. 
Sigh. But enough of that. I’m not in denial here—of course I’d much rather just win that bloody Cup once, then whatever hapens, happens. Which is why I’ll always have my dreams of winning, and yet always be prepared for the Hockey Gods to do their worst. They usually succeed, but I’m an optimist.
One day… maybe.
Onwards, I think that this year’s Stanley Cup playoffs has the best group of teams matching up that we’ve seen in years. In the west, I’d particularly enjoy a Blackhawks—Red Wings series, so that’s where my hopes lie now. And for the first time in my life, I’m going to be cheering the team that killed my dreams. I usually work up a massive hate of teams that take out my Canucks, but I really, really like Chicago—their team, their city, their story, their fans—and watching them battle through the next round will be a treat. Whoever wins, it’ll make for some great playoff hockey, and that’s the most important thing.
As the saying goes, “May the best team win.”
And one last time—till next September when I’m ready to wear my optimism proudly and foolishly once again—Go Canucks!
Filed in: playoff hockey, vancouver canucks | Canucks and Beyond | Permalink
Comments
Certainly, the team that played better won the series. But I’m not convinced that Chicago is the better overall team. I think the teams are very, very close in terms of talent top to bottom. Perhaps coaching was a big issue?
If anything, the Canucks looked tired to me. I’m not sure why they would be tired, but that’s how it appeared. The defense was pathetic. They let Chicago skate to the danger areas of the offensive zone—high slot, right on the face-off dots, top of the crease—with very little resistance.
I think the final Hawks PP goal in last night’s game sums it up—Vancouver had good coverage and was keeping the Hawks to the outside, and then for about five or ten seconds they started to scramble—for no reason—and sure enough a player gets caught out of position and the puck goes of his skate and in (and would’ve been banged in by Sharp had it missed).
They looked like they forgot the thinking part of the game and were just reacting to everything.
Ohlund is a very good defenseman. So is Willie Mitchell. So are Bieksa and Edler. And so is Salo, when he’s not broken. But what Vancouver is missing is what Chicago, Detroit, and Anaheim all have—a superstar, all-word, all-star defender. Keith, Lidstrom, and Neidermayer/Pronger. Those guys have the ability to calm the game down when their team isn’t focusing or when their team is panicky. It doesn’t seem to me the Canucks have that player.
If I’m the Canucks, I’d say it’s time to let a few guys go. O’Brien did ‘em in with all his stupid penalties over the last few games. He’s out. Say goodbye to Ohlund. Definitely say goodbye to the Sundin experiment. And if you have to let Pyatt go to keep the Sedins in the fold and still have some cash for free agency, do it.
Scott Neidermayer, Sergei Zubov, Jay Bouwmeester, and Rob Blake will all be available. Obviously, the main target is Bouwmeester, as Neidermayer, Zubov, and Blake all are close to retirement, and could very well leave the game.
I say the Canucks do everything they can to try and bring Bouwmeester into the fold. They need a true number one D-man that can be their go-to guy on the PP, PK, and even-strength. All the guys they have in back now are very good, but none of them are go-to players in all situations.
Posted by Nathan from the scoresheet! on 05/12/09 at 02:59 PM ET
although, bouwmeester would be perfect, im not sure we could afford both him and the sedins. However, If we let go of the Sedins(dumb move), technically, we could bring up hodgson to take their place, and use the remaining money to sign another 1st line player and bouwmeister. Sundin is as good as gone. I really have no idea what the canucks are going to do in the off season.
We shoudla tanked, and then traded off the Sedins and Ohlund for prospects and picks and then really retool in the off season. Then make a package for tavares and have hodgson and him as a 1-2 punch.
Posted by Luongo-is-my-hero on 05/12/09 at 03:08 PM ET
I really think Edler is going to be a star. Add a guy like Bouwmeester and this Canucks team would be stacked on the back end to rival any team other than Detroit.
Personally, I can’t fathom spending the cash that would be required to keep the Sedin’s around on players like that. They may be the only horse in town, but they’re just not ever going to be the 1-2 punch that takes you to a cup. They can probably be the #2 line on a cup team and had time, injuries and stupidity not de-railed the Morrison-Bertuzzi-Naslund line the Sedin’s development might’ve meant contender- but it didn’t work out that way and, now? I’d offer then 4M apiece and if they walk, they walk you made an effort but secretly you count your blessings. Prioritize Ohlund, Wellwood and a team dietitian over the twins.
Then, July 1st, toss the bank at Bouwmeester, Kessel, Hossa, Krejci, see if you can gamble and get someone to bite that might start a “Hey, why not Vancouver?” movement in the minds of other free agents like the Campbell splash did for Chicago last year.
Then, add 1 (or ideally 2) more players you think can go top-6 like a Nik Antropov, Mike Camalleri, even a Mikael Samuelsson, or overpay for a UFA whose team is unlikely to be able to match (Dave Bolland, Brandon Dubinsky, Jiri Hudler- god, it hurts just typing that last name in there). Plenty of depth-and-D guys available who teams won’t have the money to resign. Pahlsson, Kopecky, etc.
If you don’t get one of the big names, toss a big offer to Jack Johnson for a long-term #1 guy, or try to snag one of the other ‘second pairing’ d-men available- there’s a ton (Beauchemin, Jordan Leopold, Nick Boynton) and RFAS James Wisniewsky, Goligoski.
There’s liable to be some good players traded this year as well. Kristain Huselius is definitely available and, though overpriced, can chip in goals. I don’t think CLB is the only team that’ll have some of that sort to trade.
Nucks just need to pick up a few smart pieces and they’ll be a talented, dangerous team. Hell, just letting the twins walk makes them a whole lot more likeable!
Posted by shanetx on 05/12/09 at 05:17 PM ET
As a Canuck fan…and a Cub fan…and a Seahawk fan…and a Trailblazer fan…I sit and wait. It’s what sports are all about. Because, if we won every year, then we’d be arrogant like Red Wing, Yankee or Patriots fans.
Posted by GZ Expat on 05/12/09 at 05:29 PM ET
I am really reluctant in going the rfa route. Giving up draft picks is never good for the future unless you get a certified star. That said, there is no way a certified star will ever not get matched. Overpaying to get a player like say kessel or krejci will almost definitely require a very high number, cause boston will most likely match any offer made for them. In that case, Boston will get 4 first round picks if they do not. A lot to give, even for a budding new star like Kessel or krejci.
Also in the matter of Dman, there is not many who are an upgrade on Ohlund other then Bouwmeester. All those others you stated, are at most, on par with Ohlund, but will still demand a salary close to that of him.
Posted by Luongo-is-my-hero on 05/12/09 at 06:24 PM ET
Because, if we won every year, then we’d be arrogant like Red Wing, Yankee or Patriots fans.
Jealous much?
Posted by Nathan from the scoresheet! on 05/12/09 at 07:21 PM ET
My heart goes out to you, Alanah, may you get your day in the sun, and soon.
Posted by Hippy Dave from Portland by way of Detroit on 05/12/09 at 07:59 PM ET
A lot to give, even for a budding new star like Kessel or krejci.
For some odd reason I had it in my head that these guys were UFAs- despite that they’re too young to be. Good catch. I’d still give up a couple firsts for either of them, though, if I thought adding them would be enough to keep us out of the lottery.
Also in the matter of Dman, there is not many who are an upgrade on Ohlund other then Bouwmeester. All those others you stated, are at most, on par with Ohlund, but will still demand a salary close to that of him.
Totally agree- resigning him is definitely priority #1 for the ‘Nucks, ahead of the Sedin’s, in my book. Bouwmeester is a definite upgrade, but the only other D-man I’d see anywhere near their level is Komisarek and he’s more one-dimensional and will likely be overpaid, hence him being left out.
Posted by shanetx on 05/12/09 at 08:06 PM ET
Great post Alanah, you’ve summed up our collective experience, hopes, dreams and fears…the life of a Canuck’s fan, the endless optimism that is laced with a dull acceptance of the very real possibility that we will just about make it…but in the end be left to watch others scream and jump, falling over themselves in the jubilation that follows a victor like the Stanley Cup.
I guess the one thing some of us can take some solace in, the fact that I really only remember the “Canuck Experience” from about 1976 on…
Enjoy golf season everybody, see you next year.
Posted by Devin from a familiar place for May on 05/12/09 at 09:21 PM ET
Tough one, but at least you get Luongo for another year. Make it count and get the guy some support. Or at least a back brace or something 
Posted by Shane from Saskatoon on 05/12/09 at 09:52 PM ET
Great post Alanah
I for one will keep believing in blue, against all the historical precedent. isn’t that what it’s all about?
Posted by Sarah from England on 05/13/09 at 06:10 AM ET
“Canucks Fandom: Life as a Hockey Pessimist”
Life is much easier as a Canucks fan when you lower your expectations and learn to accept the failure that will come
Posted by JesGolbez from Burnaby, BC on 05/13/09 at 10:57 AM ET
a cpl first is fine for either of them. I can somehow justify that. But 4 firsts and we can only offer for one of them, that is too much, especially in the salary cap era.
Posted by Luongo-is-my-hero on 05/13/09 at 09:13 PM ET
Great post Alanah,
You wanna hope that one day the Canucks might actually win it all. Untill then, the hype will start up all over again this summer with free agency etc. We’ll all get excited for the new season because deep down that’s what it means to be a hard core hockey fan.
Posted by TriniD from VanC on 05/14/09 at 11:41 AM ET
The nicest thing about sports is that each season is a fresh slate, with new opportunites for success. There is no telling when things will turn around - but eventually they will. Even the Cubs will win a World Series in my lifetime, I know they will.
Have a good summer, Alanah.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 05/15/09 at 08:35 PM ET
Great post, Alanah. I am new to the site, but have heard it highly spoken of. As a fan of the Canucks, the Cubs and Tottenham Hotspur, I am very familiar with disappointment and the pain of supporting the losing side. I suspect my family may have a chest full of Confederate warbonds somewhere. As Baroque said, there is always a fresh slate. That’s why we are fans.
Full credit to Chicago. I agree with the post who summed it up: great team, great fans, great city. It would be great to see the Cup go to an original six city that doesn’t begin with a “D”.
Thanks.
Posted by desertcanuck from abu dhabi on 05/19/09 at 02:40 AM ET
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About Canucks & Beyond
Alanah McGinley has been blogging hockey since 2003 (with a notable gap in time through 2010, kicking it with new baby Lucy while living knee-deep in chaos while reading “parenting for complete idiots” during every spare minute) sharing opinions, rants and not-so-deep thoughts with anyone who will listen.
In addition to writing Canucks & Beyond and helping manage Kukla’s Korner, Alanah was one of the founders and co-hosts of The Crazy Canucks Podcast. She has contributed pieces to FoxSports.com and the New York Times Slapshot blog, as well as other stray destinations in cyberspace.
So that’s me. Who the hell are you?
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I think you’d figure it out.
Over the week immediately after the Wings Cup in 1997 I drank for about three straight days, failed 3 seperate college tests, no-showed a family get-together and crashed my motorcycle. Not in that order.
The best week of my sports fan life by about a gajillion miles, nonetheless.
Honestly, after that first Cup, as a fan you walk on clouds and sunshine for months.
Posted by HockeyinHD on 05/12/09 at 02:26 PM ET